A Pilgrimage

“I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” ~ Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

It was a summer of beautiful, pleasant days spent by the sea and picnic lunches in the great outdoors. One little boy spent hours dipping and splashing in the freezing Baltic Sea which didn’t quite warm up this year. And afterwards all of us fell asleep snuggled in each other’s sandy arms on the warm toasted sand.

We foraged in the woods and found handfuls of wild raspberries – lovely morsels of soft sweetness mingled with loads of tiny kernels. We yelped and hopped at the sting of nettles. We parked ourselves on the forest floor and ate our fill of blueberries till our lips and fingers were stained a rich indigo.

It was a time of undisturbed contentment and I hugged myself in silent happiness.

And yet, as I gazed with quiet pleasure and satisfaction over the landscape of my life, I couldn’t help but notice a dark cloud that stretched over an otherwise good life. A pang of regret gripped my heart as I saw this unsightly stain spoil a clean slate.

It broke my reverie stirring up sediments of grief and anguish.

It felt as though some of the best years of my life were wasted grappling with a needlessly punishing lesson. I have often wondered why I had to endure this bitter cup of suffering.

Yet I learnt that at some point in life, one has to make a journey to that place within oneself where giants are met face to face. We all must return to the place of pain and suffering and learn to study it without denial, without fear, without anger, without judgements but just to shine the light of understanding on it.

Acceptance. The first step towards reconciling with all that has taken place and embrace even the painful parts of one’s life. And as my dear friend Mona wrote me, “One of my biggest awakenings came when I learnt that the first step in any healing was Acceptance. When we stop denying “what is” and instead of rejecting, we integrate the experiences that come in our lives. We develop the power to decide. We reject certain experiences in the same way small children reject food that look unpleasant for their taste, they like cookies, they don’t like artichoke.”

Yes, I have been like that small child but this summer I made a pilgrimage – an inner pilgrimage to a place of Suffering which has cast a long shadow over my life for the last 13 years.

These are some thoughts from the journey.

Without suffering we cannot grow

I have always shunned suffering. Yet, suffering is part of human existence. Suffering and perfection go hand in hand. Given a choice the child in me would have much preferred a soft, sheltered, easy and unchallenged life but looking back now I realise that without it, I would have remained at best beautifully hollow.

“Most people are afraid of suffering. But suffering is a kind of mud to help the lotus flower grow. There cannot be a lotus flower without the mud. As an organic gardener, you are not afraid of the garbage. It can always be transformed to make a beautiful flower.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Suffering is grace unalloyed

There are two kinds of sufferings. The first kind is self-inflicted either from our own poor choices or from a lack of knowledge. And the suffering is a direct consequence from our own actions. Some storms are of our own making.

But there are times through no fault of ours we still have to endure suffering and this is grace in disguise. (I know I battled with this one for a long time!). Even those who cause tremendous suffering to others are part of a greater plan to bring maturity to mankind.

“Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting…. Indeed far from being a poison, this is pure honey and sugar, far from being bitter in taste, this is the essence of sweetness.” ~ Abdu’l-Bahá

Suffering reveals our hearts.

It shows us what we are truly made of. It is one thing to speak of character and another to have a character that has been tested. And stood the test.

“Were it not for tests, the courageous could not be separated from the cowardly. Were it not for tests, the people of faithfulness could not be known from the disloyal. Were it not for tests, sparkling gems could not be known from worthless pebbles. Were it not for tests, nothing would progress in this contingent world.” ~ Abdul-Baha

Suffering is a choice.

From one acquainted with the pain of suffering, I say this with all my deepest respect to all who may be suffering at the moment. Honour that suffering deeply. There is no rush and suffering and pain in ourselves must be treated with the same tenderness as we would a weeping child.

However, from my own experience, I have also come to realise that at some point we have to decide what to do with ourselves. Because suffering can sometimes become an internal dependency especially if we have become accustomed to its presence for over a long time. It becomes the way we operate. We give up the responsibility to govern our ownself and relinquish our own inner responsibility to take charge of our lives to someone else. We essentially become victims when we hand over our responsibility to someone else to stop making us suffer.

Running away from suffering… “often reveals more fundamental dependencies that cannot be run away from because they are internal rather than external – dependencies such as letting the weaknesses of other people ruin our emotional lives or feeling victimized by people and events out of our control.” ~ Stephen R. Covey

Suffering is a great teacher

I have often felt indignant at the unfairness of suffering. But in these last few years I have slowly come to realise that suffering should be viewed as something which holds within it much more than what my mind can grasp at this point in time.

“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain. And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields. And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief. Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen, And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.” ~ Kahlil Gibran, from The Prophet.

My feeble soul stumbled and whimpered through the valley of sorrow. I have grieved long enough. It is time to move on. Oh, what a climb it has been and yet at the same time I am filled with a profound gratitude for the world it has opened up to me. For in it lies the seed for growth, authenticity and strength.

Thank you for this wonderful and inspirational piece of writing. I hope many people read this blog because it is tackling a difficult issue with such sensitivity and understanding. Suffering is indeed both self-inflicted and a reaction to incidents or others behaviour. One can’t hide from suffering. You have to learn from it, deal with it and hope that it will eventually stop hurting. You also have to take ownership of suffering and the cause of it.
Thank you for reminding me of those brilliant words from Kahlil Gibran, as well as Stephen Covey’s quote too. Every child ought to be given a copy of The Prophet as part of their spiritual development.

Dear Claire, it’s really so good to hear from you and thank you for your valuable insights. Yes, what you said about taking ownership of suffering is precisely so true.
Acknowledging the hurt and to know when to move on (and yet to know that fine line between moving on and running away:D) is crucial to one’s personal growth. Moving on is a shift in focus from centering one’s preoccupation with the personal injustices and resulting suffering to being principle centred.
From being people/pain/enemy centred to a principle based centredness rooted in timeless values and tested principles which we want to align our lives by.
I would love to hear your recommendations of some of the other great works and literature that you as an educationalist think would be an asset to a child’s development. I am always inspired by your passion and deep commitment to education.
To flowers…
Sharon

Many thanks for this beautiful writing! I agree, I think it’s absolutely necessary to speak also about suffering as a part of our personal/spiritual growth. Unfortunately many people – even people on a spiritual path – don’t have the courage to face their personal dilemmas. They miss a chance to go deeper and become whole and healed.
I love the way you write: you’re both very down-to-earth and very profound!

My dear Maarit! So very good to hear from you! You speak wise words. It takes courage to admit that there is a problem within and without. And to acknowledge its presence is indeed the first step to personal transformation. I do believe the whole Universe conspires to make us well, to make us whole – if we are alert to the many signs and tools lined up along the way to aid us on this journey. A book, a quote, a new friend that turns up. Or then we work ourselves up to a point where we say “no more” and ignite our own process of change.
Thank you for your kind understanding. Do keep in touch, I’d love to hear from you! Hugs, Sharon

Hi love, There is a lot of wisdom in this post. I guess suffering is like a parrot who comes and perches on your shoulder. You shouldn’t push her away or embrace her, but know that she is there to teach you about love. Great post.

Welcome back, Sharon! You’ve made up for lost time with this wonderful tribute to acceptance and yes, suffering. So often, I wonder why is this happening, what have I done to deserve this suffering. And you’re right, there is always a silver lining. I am going through a tumultuous time this summer….but through each wave of suffering there is also tremendous relief delivered from the universe. My next post will display one of those moments….xoxmeryl

Oh it’s good to be back Meryl!! And even better to have kind folks like yourself here to welcome me. I’m sorry to hear that it’s been a tumultous summer. I apologise you haven’t seen much of me this season so we’ll have lots to catch up. Yes, I’ve just written to another reader above that the Universe does indeed conspire to align us at all times to the right path – one that is centred on truth and eternal principles. I have learnt to take the sunshine and the rain, the joy and the sorrow and to always, always be grateful for all the GOOD in my life. Gratitude is a source of happiness I have discovered. And you my lovely friend, I believe you are on that right path even through this stretching time. I love that glimmer of hope that still shines through and that is indeed a sign of strength. So much love and tight hugs, Sharon

I am glad you had such a lovely, comforting summer, Sharon, and I am glad that it was a summer of awakening for you, as well. Thank you for distinguishing that some suffering is done through no fault of our own. I’m thinking mainly of the suffering of loss, which we call grief. I do believe that we can help to ease the pain of others through our presence and caring—and that we are in fact called to do so. And I do believe that our own suffering makes us more empathetic, able to be a balm for others in pain…as K. Gibran so masterfully put it, “Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.”
I am grateful that you have come to terms with your suffering; I wish you a new season of blossoming.

My dearest Robin, it means so much to me that you took time off to come by and leave me this heartwarming note. It is my sincere wish that from our greatest sufferings we will not only emerge stronger but always, always tender of heart to the pain of another. I’ll share with you another Kahlil Gibran’s masterful quotes – “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Character comes at a cost and cannot be made except by a steady, long continued process. I try to always keep that in mind.
Just being able to come out openly and acknowledge this part of my life was cathartic and restoring in so many ways. Thank you. I hope you find renewal during your break and may many revelations come to you during this time! Hugs always, Sharon

I am familiar with that quote from Kahlil Gibran – so touching, simple and true. We do all have to release various pains from our lives if we wish to move forward — and also throughout our lives — not always easy, but at some point the time is right and we move into healing and leave that pain behind. I am glad for you that you are moving into another phase of your life which I’m sure glows brightly. Best wishes to you, Sharon.
Jeanne

My dear Jeanne, what you said is just so true. This summer everything just fell into place and the timing was right and I was ready or at least put into a place where I had no choice but to confront this part of my life with a renewed sense of honesty and clarity. It really helped that I was also blessed with people who entered my life right at that point who could share such deep wisdom and made me finally feel safe to be vulnerable. I have noticed from your side bar Dr Wayne Dyer’s book and I went to check him out and I learnt quite a bit from him too. You see, how every little thing aids us in miraculous ways!
Thank you for your beautiful blessings. It’s been a pleasure knowing you and I look forward to more. Sharon

Hi, Sharon, I am a big believer in synchronicity, and apparently you have been a beneficiary in your healing with the right people entering your life at this time. I also believe that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. I have much work to do on my desk, but another post is forming in my mind about how I have been following a trail of bread crumbs in the books I’m reading, one tripping off to the next in the most unusual ways. it always amazes me. We are blessed.
Take care (back to work!) … jeanne

Dear Shaz–Welcome back. Your post resonates with me on a deep level. Suffering can open the heart, build empathy and allow us to help others. It can also be an unnecessary habit–sometimes stemming from self-punishment or maybe how we think we are supposed to be. This is something I have been thinking about a lot and it’s so very interesting to get your perspective. I love your photos as always–especially how you captured those little ducks. Much love!-Julie

My dearest Julie! Oh it’s wonderful to be back among friends! HUGS. I’m learning with greater clarity and understanding how often it’s how I look at things and interpret them that ultimately counts. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer. I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter which touch us all – I believe we can all learn from each other and your insight and how you translate that into words with such clarity and soundness is amazing. Thanks for noticing those ducks :D They’re quite a character and have become quite tame over the summer coming and begging for food – even eating out of our hands! Sending blessings and light your way! Shaz

Dear Shaz–You were SO missed! Isn’t this community amazing. I would never have guessed I would have had the opportunity to connect with so many like minded people and get such tremendous support. Speaking of which–I am deeply grateful for your kind words. Re: suffering. Shaz–don’t forget that you are an intuitive and as you once mentioned empath. We do pick up more and need to protect ourselves more than non-empaths. Make sure you are doing lots of self-care and grounding (you can email me about this). Much love!-Julie

Your reflections are lovely and impressive–at once comprehensive and exquisitely exacting. You are so right, it is in our nature to want to avoid pain but suffering is the path to grace if we embrace it.

The path to grace…I was contemplating the title of the post The Grace of Suffering. It is sweet grace isn’t it to be given the precious opportunity in this life to stretch and progress the soul to become cleansed of flaws we have not even realised reside in the recesses of our hearts. I am always reminded of David’s cry to the Lord in the Psalms when he said “Search me and try me and see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me to the path everlasting.” (I quoted this from memory so it might not be that accurate after 20 years!) And I have always marvelled at the depth of his courage to pray such a prayer for surely, to be searched and to be tried and tested would mean pain for it is only through pain can anything that is less than spotless be dislodged to the surface.
Thank you for the warm welcome – it is indeed good to be back among fellow pilgrims! Hugs, Sharon

Thank you so much Diane for your warm welcome and life-giving words. I am touched if the post spoke to you. I hope your summer has been beautiful and meaningful. How is little Stella and the little fledglings? So good to be back to share life with you good folks! Sharon

Hi Diane, sorry to keep you waiting for this one. I use a simple programme called Picasa to edit and process my photos. There is a function where I can also add text onto the photos. But if you want a proper watermark, there are links on the net where you can download to use for free. Let me check it out for you. In any case, please visit this site by top award winning photographer Rick Braveheart and post him your question. I am sure he’ll be most obliging in assisting you. Let him know I sent you! http://thegreatamericanlandscape.wordpress.com/
Do keep me updated and let me know if everything works out ok! Sharon

I have thirsted for a new post from you, Shaz. Thank you for this beautiful, eloquent, and powerful post. In addition to all the benefits you’ve discovered about sufferring, you may well find–or perhaps have already found–that your pain, grief, suffering, and how you eventually faced and dealt with them became the source of many of the greatest gifts you have to share with the world.

It is indeed good to be back Russ. Thank you so much for these warm words of welcome and for understanding this post and the journey of reconciliation, acceptance, freedom and hopefully wisdom and maturity based on eternal truths. Was it you Russ who wrote sometime back about building houses on sand? (forgive me if I’m mistaken!) Well, I’ve just realised that unless we build our lives on a strong unshakeable foundation of time-tested principles and truths, nothing will be left standing in the storms of life. Suffering seen in this light aligns us back to truth.
Thank you for your kind support and for making it a safe place for me to share. Shaz

Thank you Aditix! It is lovely to see you here! I often thought of you and wonder what other flowers and herbs you’ve been picking over the summer. And I did make a huge pizza one day inspired by yours! :D Thank you for your kindness. It is good to be back. Sharon

What you are writing about, my dear Yuen, is the hardest and the most painful work of gaining our freedom, in the face of cruelty and injustice… and sometimes our own immaturity. As human beings, we have a longing for fairness, for justice and for perfection. We have ideals about how the world should be. Unfortunately, the world is not like that. And often we find ourselves heartbroken by paradox and disappointment. So many times, in an effort to change the world, and make it a better place, we have heaped more misery on ourselves and on our fellow human beings. And then in penance have tortured ourselves still further. Reading some of your conclusions in this post, I think you’ve made a giant step forward. It is a slow growing process. And we often stumble along the way. But what you have said and quoted here reflects a consciousness which approaches freedom. And your descriptions of the great pleasures of your holiday, and your joy at the beauties of nature is the other side of the coin, the reward that is ours to enjoy, more and more, as we accept the reality of this world. I am happy with you, and blissful in your grace.

Ah, my dear Shimon! How very good to see you here! It is thanks to you sir, that I started on this pilgrimage. And for that I am eternally grateful. Yes, freedom at the end of the day can only be attained from one’s own exercise of will and personal responsibility. The recognition that simply because I was not responsible for the pain caused does not mean there is no responsibility needed from myself. And the only thing I ultimately have control of is myself in how I choose to perceive the situation and my own response. Victor Frankl said it all.
And it is in the exercise of this “embryonic freedom” day by day that little by little it expands to freedom.
As to maturiy and wisdom – doesn’t it always come in hindsight? :D And with age and the passing years and seasons, we do learn and acrue knowledge of the heart. There is a Chinese saying “I have eaten more salt than you have eaten rice.” A favourite proverb used to distinguish maturity of the elders and the raw and budding seedling of the young.
As always it has been an honour for me to read your words and to have you share the salt of your wisdom with me. I look forward to this ongoing friendship with you and to your next post on Education. With much love, Yuen

Dear Sharon, This is a beautiful, heartfelt post and I thank you for it. I’ve been where you’ve been so I can totally relate. One of the greatest gifts we can receive from life is growing in the knowledge that it is safe and okay to embrace all that is; including pain. Thank you for sharing your journey.

My dear Brenda, you touched on one very key point in every journey of healing and transformation. “That it is safe and okay to embrace all that is.” Thank you for your deep understanding and kind gentleness. It means a lot to me. My warmest wishes to you! Hugs, Sharon

Sharon,
You have written with so much honesty and truth. Working through all of that is so hard and I know I backslide often. You have had a terrific summer of growth. Congratulations! And as always, your photographs are lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Dear Sherrie, thank you so much for writing. It’s so good to see you here after the break. I am glad if the post had touched you. It’s in the struggle that we know that we still want to fight for what is good and right and true in our lives. Hugs, Sharon

An incredible last line, and profound piece. I have seen the concept of ‘staying a victim’ of suffering played out in my own life and others. May we have the courage, like you, to move through the process, seeking understanding such as you’ve described. Such a beautiful heart you have – keep being a blessing!

My dear Ali, a pleasure to hear from you and for your invaluable feedback as always. Oh I was stuck in the role of the victim and martyr for too many years until I realised that I was letting someone ruin my life, my health and robbing me from everything good.
“By saying I’m not responsible, I make myself a powerless victim; I immobilize myself in a negative situation…. When someone feels he has been unjustly dealt with by an emotionally or socially significant person, it is very easy for him to become preoccupied with the injustice and make the other person the center of his life.” Stephen R. Covey.
But I didn’t have the tools to end this cycle of torment. It was beyond the scope of my own inexperienced youth. But after 13 years and breast cancer three years ago (talk about a wake up call of wake up calls!!) – I have been on a the road to setting things right. Mainly from the inside out.
Thanks for coming alongside Ali. Your kind, loving heart brings me much joy and comfort and strength. To beautiful people in the making…Sharon

Oh wow… that quote hit me hard (in a good way). Thank you for sharing your journey… it gives me hope that I too might escape from the victim identity I’ve created for myself due to suffering at the hands of others…. Still on the journey :)

Dear StillValerie, it means so much to me for you to be here sharing with me on this journey. Thank you for your kind support. I have learnt from you more than you know. I am deeply blessed by your kind heart. Sharon

This is so beautifully written. I feel your strength and independence emerge the further I read. Simple pleasures surface at some point in the process of suffering and you captured that so well. Blessings to you in your journey.
~Becky

My dear Becky, it is so lovely to hear from you. And yes, as you so accurately pointed out how can I ignore the beauty, the immense beauty and immeasurable blessings I have been showered with!!! Gratitude and contentment overflows from this cup too. I’m learning that through it all, it is still a beautiful life. Sharon

Welcome back Sharon! We are very happy that you share again some of your time with us here!! Yes, no way out of learning .. I used to revolt internally when I was hearing people saying, ‘Oh, but without tests, how can you grow!” I used to think, like you did, that love, beauty, inspirations, bellies full of blackberries and holidays on the beach were enough … they could but they aren’t. So here we go … acceptance and ‘embracing suffering like a mother embraces her child'; resilience … what else can we do than ‘grow’? Sit down and cry? Not really, this would just be useless; courage … more will come for sure, the wheel we have to clean is deep and old; the inner being we have to raise is noble and mighty and, unless we are pushed, we, quite understandably, resist going there. Comfort is such a good friend … who would like to let it go? And on the other side, without security, warmth and comfort, growth is unbalanced and often superficial, later leading to the opposite tendency. Again, the timeless wisdom of balance that you seem to know so well from within. Brotherly love.

“…the wheel we have to clean is deep and old; the inner being we have to raise is noble and mighty…” Oh, to always keep in mind our true heritage which needs to be polished and equipped to meet the high standards of being noble – then we realise that suffering is part of stretching and progressing the soul too.
Through it all, beauty and blessings continue to exist blissfully side by side with the thorns. That is indeed the wonderful miracle of life if we keep our eyes open. And you and Mona are miracles that life has so graciously sent my way.
There is no pain without remedy. There is no suffering without healing. There is no hurt without comfort. There is no test without answers. And there is no climb without a helping hand of friends.
Thank you so much dear Frederic & Mona. I have learnt so much from your wisdom, experience, dedication to truth, insights but most of all from your kindness.
With much gratitude and love, Sharon

Sharon, it is good to see your photos and read your tender thoughts. I hear a compassion within your words for yourself, and a growing acceptance and trust that all that you have experienced and are experiencing is here to teach you who you are! Many blessings and prayers from California, Mark

Dear Mark, your kind understanding is a great comfort. Thank you for
your blessings, prayers and this little note of hope you have left me here! For I am indeed filled with hope and restoration as I remember this verse which has stayed with me over the years. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…”Joel 2:25 To fresh starts and to the beauty of growing up. Sharon

Sweet Sharon, Recently, I read a synopsis from Mark Twain’s writings (on the internet). I am mused at his writing style and repeat them at loud to be able to emulate how he puts things. I felt the same way reading this post. You have a great writing skill! You have a gift! How lucky for me to know you. <3 Fae,

My dearest Fae, my heart makes a leap of joy whenever I see you! It’s like being given the biggest, tightest and warmest hug! Thank you for your wonderful, comforting words. I am so lucky to know you! Hugs xx Sharon

This is just such an amazing post, Sharon. It is so, so touching. I’m glad you went to that place within, and am even more touched because you shared the lessons. I love that you’re back. I think I’ll get your post notifications now because I pressed the ‘follow’ button again. Lots of love. Yaz

My dear Yaz, your warmth, kindness and love flood this little comment space! It is indeed precious to know that this post which was shared from a very deep place in my heart finds a space in yours. Thank you. Much love, Sharon

My dearest Trish, thank you so much for such a wam welcome! It is indeed good to be back. You have a kind wholesomeness which flows from your words and your photos and I am very blessed by that. Hugs, Sharon

Beautiful pictures to go by with some nicely written words, Sharon. Excellent post. I specially enjoyed reading your thoughts from the journey. I too believe without suffering we can never grow. Suffering makes us as humans stronger and mature. Great post, Sharon.

Thank you so much Arindam for your kind feedback. I am glad to know if some thoughts from the journey touched you in some way. Yes, I do believe that strength and maturity are perfected by suffering if we allow ourselves to be moulded towards perfection. I am sure in you have learnt much from seeing the lives of many ordinary folks who display extraordinary strength and maturity through different hardships in life. Thank you for sharing the story of your special friendship with an old man. I believe that takes much maturity and strength. Bless your heart young man. Sharon

Dear Tilly, suffering sucks. But then so is not learning. :D Thirteen years until the light came on. Oh well, better late than never. Thank you for reading. Thank you for your indomitable laughter. Shaz

A beautifully written and thoughtful, and thought provoking, post, Sharon. And from the depths of your suffering was born the desire to pass on your own acquired wisdom to others. I hope the pain from your suffering is easing and thankyou for casting the light of understanding into the mirk.

Dear Finn, thank you so much for coming by and leaving me this heartwarming note. It means a lot to me. Yes, I do believe to be able to write about this part of my life is the beginning of lessening its hold on my life. And to realise that ultimately, I have the choice to decide how I choose to respond and what I make of this wonderfully, blessed life is the beginning of transformation. “How we look at the problem is the problem.” Stephen R. Covey.
It’s good to be back and so good to hear from you! I look forward to catching up and seeing what other wonderful discoveries of nature you have found! Did I tell you that I discovered lots of dragonflies and damselflies after reading your post? I very proudly showcased my knowledge to my rather impressed husband :D Sharon

Congratulations for your post, it’s very interesting! I think Acceptance is the first step in healing and then comes the Forgiveness which will help you to find the deep peace.I had read an amazing book about this ideas: ”Forgiveness: The Greatest Healer of All” by Gerald G. Jampolsky, Neale Donald Walsch, it’s a great book and maybe you will read it, certainly you will enjoy!
Have a nice day!
Cristina

Dear Cristina! How very good to hear from you and a very warm welcome! Thank you for visiting and for leaving me this wonderful comment. You touched on a very key point – Forgiveness. That is so crucial in finding deep peace. I do believe it is the cornerstone for any real personal growth and transformation. Thank you so much for sharing the book – I will certainly check it out! I am touched by your kindness. Have a very lovely Sunday and I hope to hear from you again! My warmest wishes from Finland to Romania! Sharon

Dear Sharon, it was my pleasure to read your post and to be inspired by it! I’m happy because I have found your blog, it’s a real source of peace and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your good ideas and interesting writings.
With joy, Cristina from Romania

The most wonderful thing about sharing from our hearts is to have a dear one share in that journey too. Thank you for the warm welcome – it is indeed good to be back! Looking forward to catching up and hearing from you. Hope all is well in your world. Much love to you and yours, Shaz

Hi Sharon, what an inspiring, touching post . I thought I understood pain n fear of others. But it wasn’t till my recent incident that I truly understood what it’s like to be in that shoe. May the Lord who changes the seasons in life, bring us to a new place of healing, that we may be instruments who help others who are facing that in life.

My dearest Martha, thank you so much for writing. I hope all is well with you. I will get in touch with you on FB. So many hugs to you! Each time I think of you, I am inspired by your effort, enthusiasm and dedication to lift the fallen, heal the broken-hearted and champion the rights of the oppressed. I am inspired by you for all you stand for. HUGS old friend. xx

What a lovely, inspiring post, Sharon! Yes, acceptance is key. Once we accept, we can decide what to do to move forward. I love the quote by Dickens. I’m tempted to use it as it as I can relate to much bending and breaking over the last few years.
Sending you warm well wishes!

Dear Fergiemoto, it is always good to hear from you. Thank you so much for your well wishes and kind feedback. Please feel free to use the quote as it does encapsulate perfectly the journey, the healing and the hope that exists at the end of the tunnel. I too send you my heartfelt well wishes and always undiminished joy and gratitude for second-chances. Sharon

I read this several days ago and I was speechless. I had been wondering about your silence but know for myself that when I am ready, I write. I am so moved, not just by your suffering, but by your sharing of insights and teachings which are helping you to move toward peace. I am trying always to see the people and occurrences in my life as the lessons I must learn. Thank you for being blessed teacher.

Wow! You are a talented writer and such an inspiration. In my work, I teach on the importance of acceptance. Your writing and the quotes that you have woven into your post speak volumes. Keep up the great work!

My dear Kristin,
My sincerest apologies for this very late reply to your kind comment. I want to thank you so much for coming over and taking the time to read and leave me this note. I appreciate it so much. As you must already know that I have not only enjoyed each of your posts but have great admiration and respect for your work. Thank you so much for inspiring, educating and helping so many people see the light. I certainly look forward to getting to know you! Hugs, Sharon

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Daily Reminders

Take responsibility for your own life.
Create no more suffering.
Practise Stillness.
Live in the Now.
Breathe deeply.
Surrender.
Cultivate contentment.
Hold on to negative emotions like a piece of hot coal in your hand...let it go.
Let gratitude well up and spill over.
Be infinitely kind to others...and to yourself.
Make today better than yesterday.
Forgive.
The secret of self-mastery is self-forgetfulness.
See God in every tree, every leaf, every flower, every person.
Get to bed by 10.30 every night!